Commencement of the
3rd ASM joint MYTOX-SOUTH CONFERENCE 20224 – 7 SEPTEMBER 2022
Stellenbosch, SOUTH AFRICA
Welcome to the
African Society of Mycotoxicology (ASM)
Mycotoxigenic fungi significantly influence the production, food safety and trade of agricultural crops in Africa.
About the ASM
Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by mycotoxigenic fungi in food and feed. Once consumed these mycotoxins might be harmful to human and animal health. Africans consume large quantities of wheat, maize, sorghum and groundnuts and rely on these crops as a primary source of food and income. In 2004, acute aflatoxin poisoning of maize resulted in the death of over 100 individuals in Kenya. The long term chronic effects are unknown but have been associated with liver damage and growth reduction of children. Other significant mycotoxins include fumonisins, ochratoxins, deoxynivalenol, nivalenol and zearelenone. To protect consumers the EU and USDA have implemented strict regulations for maximum allowable limits in food and feed.
Mycotoxigenic fungi significantly influence the production, food safety and trade of agricultural crops in Africa.
Despite various research efforts, the continent is still affected by these fungi and their mycotoxins which cause acute and chronic diseases in both humans and animals. Unfortunately, rural African communities are generally unaware of these mycotoxins in their diets.
Our Primary Objectives
Promote Research
To promote research on mycotoxins and toxigenic fungi to reduce human and animal mycotoxin exposure and enhance food safety.
Effective Networking
To improve and enhance effective networking and increase collaboration between all persons concerned with the mycotoxin threat in Africa.
Working Together
To work together with key organizations and societies, internationally and within Africa, to reduce the African mycotoxin threat.
Inform
To gather and disseminate information on mycotoxicology throughout Africa to increase public awareness and capacity building.
Research Distribution
To provide opportunities for researchers, producers and processors to meet and exchange information of mutual interests every three years at the ASM symposium.
The 1st ASM meeting was organised under the auspices of the ISM by Stellenbosch University and the University of Nairobi.
Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by mycotoxigenic fungi in food and feed. Once consumed these mycotoxins might be harmful to human and animal health.
Despite various research efforts, the continent is still affected by these fungi and their mycotoxins which cause acute and chronic diseases in both humans and animals.
The ASM was initiated by the International Society of Mycotoxicology (ISM) at a MYCORED meeting held in Cape Town
The 1st ASM meeting was organised under the auspices of the ISM by Stellenbosch University and the University of Nairobi. This meeting was successfully held in Livingstone, Zambia with the majority of the 80 delegates representing African countries. The meeting was the platform used to constitute the African Society of Mycotoxicology.
